US Halts Immigrant Visa Processing Worldwide Over ‘Public Charge’ Concerns

The United States has paused immigrant visa processing worldwide as the Donald Trump administration tightens immigration rules and moves to prevent applicants considered likely to depend on public assistance from entering the country. A State Department official said the initiative began at US embassies and consulates earlier in August, with visa appointments being adjusted to allow for additional training of consular officers. Applicants whose interviews had already been scheduled were reportedly notified that their appointments had been cancelled and that new dates would be provided later. US officials said the measure is aimed at ensuring applicants can support themselves without relying on government benefits. It forms part of the administration’s broader immigration crackdown targeting both legal and undocumented immigration.

The suspension comes a day after the administration announced plans to revoke the visas of some asylum seekers who initially entered the US on tourist or business visas before applying for asylum. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott said the US was working with the Department of Homeland Security to identify and revoke such visas, describing obtaining a visa to seek asylum as “fraud.” The White House said as many as 200,000 visas could be affected, calling it the largest mass visa revocation in US history. The State Department has not confirmed the figure, saying the number remains subject to change. The latest action follows an earlier “public charge” restriction targeting nationals of 75 countries, which was recently overturned by a federal judge. Immigration lawyers and advocates have criticised the latest pause, warning that applicants could face significant financial losses after paying for travel and preparing for interviews that were cancelled at short notice. It remains unclear when the cancelled appointments will be rescheduled. The Trump administration has also introduced additional measures, including reviews of visa applicants’ social media activity and higher processing costs, as part of its wider effort to tighten US immigration controls.

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